Kraken Robotics and TKMS ATLAS UK Demonstrate KATFISH USV Launch and Recovery System on an In-Service UK Royal Navy ARCIMS USV

Executive Summary

• Kraken Robotics successfully demonstrated its KATFISH Unmanned Surface Vessel Launch and Recovery System (USV‑LARS) integrated on TKMS ATLAS UK’s ARCIMS 11‑meter USV.
• The demonstration, conducted off Portland, UK for NATO navies, validated system performance up to sea state three and showcased real‑time high‑resolution synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) data collection at depths of up to 300 m.
• The integrated solution is the industry’s first air‑deployable, 300‑meter depth‑rated autonomous towed SAS survey system, positioning Kraken as a key supplier for naval mine‑countermeasure and maritime security missions.

Key Details

• System Demonstrated: KATFISH USV‑LARS (launch & recovery) paired with TKMS ATLAS UK’s ARCIMS USV.
• Demonstration Dates & Location: 18–19 Nov 2025, off the coast of Portland, United Kingdom; attended by NATO naval representatives.
• Operational Performance: Successfully operated up to sea state three; validated robustness and readiness for deployment on small naval platforms.
• Technical Capabilities:
• High‑resolution SAS data collection up to a 200 m swath per side, at depths of 300 m.
• Real‑time data streaming via satellite with 3 cm × 3 cm resolution imagery.
• Bathymetric surveys conducted in very shallow water; live classification of contacts by shore‑based command center.
• Design Features: All‑titanium construction for low magnetic signature and reduced weight; fits ARCIMS common deck interface for rapid re‑role and seamless integration.
• Strategic Impact: Provides navies with an agile, modular, cost‑effective mine‑countermeasure capability; enables faster deployment of advanced sonar technology on small vessels.
• Quotes:
• “With its ability to safely and autonomously launch and recover KATFISH from USVs, our USV‑LARS allows small naval platforms to collect KATFISH’s high resolution synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) data… acting as force multipliers.” – Greg Reid, President & CEO, Kraken Robotics.
• “Integrating ARCIMS with KATFISH and LARS in such a compressed timeframe sets a new benchmark for delivering operational capability to our customers.” – Wesley Galliver, Head of Surface Ship Systems Division, TKMS ATLAS UK.

Notable Quotes

• Greg Reid (President & CEO, Kraken Robotics): “With the surge in unmanned systems for defence, naval forces need the best technology available to protect national security… our USV‑LARS allows small naval platforms to collect KATFISH’s high resolution synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) data, significantly increasing their capabilities and acting as force multipliers.”
• Wesley Galliver (Head of Surface Ship Systems Division, TKMS ATLAS UK): “This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when innovation and collaboration come together… I am delighted with the results and proud of what the combined teams achieved.”